BTS begins a world tour with a concert in South Korea after completing military service

Pop sensation BTS reunited for their first concert nearly four years after disbanding compulsory military service. Their return to the stage was celebrated by throngs of excited fans who packed the Seoul venue on Saturday night.

Most South Korean men have to serve in the military for about two years because of the Korean peninsula technically he lives in the war. In the past, years away from the stage have old K-pop idols or groups that have ended. But BTS defied that pattern, with their comeback drawing fans from all over the world.

Sophia Kim, 71, told CBS News that she walked three hours to attend the celebration wearing BTS’ signature purple.

“With all the political conditions around the world, it might be the last time humanity enjoys a big festival like this,” he said, adding that he felt proud of the way the team represented Korea in the world.

“You can’t help but agree when you see their songs and dancing — they really stand out,” she said.

International returns

The concert was streamed live on Netflix, allowing viewers across multiple time zones to sing along. The game opened near Gyeongbokgung Palace, which includes history that has been broadcast around the world.

The concert started with a bell ringing and a drone video. After performing three songs from their album, BTS greeted their fans. Jin, who is it? they are registered before other membersreflected on the group’s silence, saying he clearly remembers asking fans to wait for their final concert in Busan in October 2022.

“I had a lot of worries before standing here again, but I’m thankful and happy that I was able to face you again,” he said.

About 22,000 ticket holders watched the free one-hour concert at designated viewing areas in central Seoul, where large outdoor screens were installed. Beyond the official grounds, Gwanghwamun and the surrounding streets were full of fans. Some were sitting on the side of the road watching the concert on their phones via Netflix, while others gathered outside shops and restaurants to watch it on televisions. Security was tight as about 15,000 people were deployed, including about 6,700 policemen.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government initially expected crowds of up to 260,000 people, implementing traffic control from early evening and rerouting buses at more than 60 bus stops. However, local reports estimate that around 40,000 people gathered in the area.

Jen Howes, a South African teacher living in Korea, told CBS that she was eager to “see the vibes and meet the people” while cheering for the team. He said he always knew that the group would meet again.

“They always seem to have a good relationship and they seem to want to work together again,” Howes, 37, said.

Marco Supetran and two friends traveled from his home country of the Philippines to see the team. Supertran said he became a fan of the group in 2020, after his daughters introduced him to their music. The trio couldn’t get tickets, but lined up outside Seoul’s City Hall Square from 11 a.m. to watch the performance on screen. His friends said that BTS’ sense of “goodness” is part of their international appeal.

The concert marks the start of their world tour after BTS released their latest album, Arirang, on March 20. Big Hit Music, the music label run by BTS’ management agency, said the new album sold 3.98 million copies on its first day of release. The music video for the song titled “SWIM” has already crossed 40 million views online.

The American leg of the tour begins on April 25 in Tampa, Florida. The group will then travel through South America, Europe and Asia. The final performance is scheduled for March 14, 2027, in the Philippines.